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Mesothelioma Asbestos Lung CancerMesothelioma is a cancer that affects the tissue that lines the lungs and chest cavity and, in some cases, the abdomen’s lining and the heart. The most common reason for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure.Asbestos fibers become stuck in tissues and cause DNA damage. The result is that cells turn into mesothelioma cancerous cells.Signs and symptomsMesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects tissues that line and protect organs within the body. Exposure to asbestos fibers may cause the cells to change and grow into mesothelioma cancers. The majority of mesothelioma cases are located in the lungs. However, it can also happen in the lining of the abdomen as well as the testicles, heart and lungs.The most frequent mesothelioma symptoms are shortness of breath, chest pain and coughing. Some patients also experience abdominal pain, fatigue and weight loss. These symptoms are similar to those of other illnesses and can be difficult to diagnose, especially in the beginning stages of mesothelioma. The signs of mesothelioma might not manifest for years or even decades after asbestos exposure.The first step to diagnose mesothelioma is to conduct a physical exam and a medical history. A doctor can require blood tests and imaging scans to determine the severity of the symptoms. These scans can include CT (computer tomography) scans, MRI and PET (positron emission tomography).X-rays can show an unusual mass or fluid in the lungs. These scans aid the doctor determine the nature and location of the mesothelioma. Sarcomatoid and mesothelioid are the two main types. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for around 70% of all mesothelioma cases. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma has a poorer prognosis and is less common than epithelioid.Most people with pleural cancer suffer from a painful, non-productive cough and breathing problems. In some instances, a patient suffering from pleural mesothelioma might have an abnormal heart murmur which is known as pericardial effusion or a swelling of the scrotum (tunica vaginalis).The most accurate method to identify mesothelioma is through the taking of a biopsy of the tissue. The type of mesothelioma also determines the way a doctor treats the illness. If a patient has pericardial cancer the doctor will remove excess fluid with a procedure known as pleurodesis or insert the pleural catheter to reduce inflammation and enhance respiration. Other treatments include surgery and chemotherapy.DiagnosisMesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the organ’s linings known as the mesothelium. The disease is most common in the lungs, however it can also occur in the abdomen (peritoneum) or around the testes.It can take between 10 and 50 years for symptoms of mesothelioma or mesothelioma onset. Due to this latency period many patients could be misdiagnosed. It is often mistaken for other, less serious illnesses, like pneumonia or the flu. This mistake can result in delays in treatment, which can decrease the chance of surviving.Those who suspect that they may have mesothelioma need to visit their doctor right away. During this first visit, doctors examine a patient’s complete medical history to determine signs and any other factors that may make people more likely to develop mesothelioma. This includes any past exposure to asbestos, as well as the nature and duration of exposure.The doctor will then recommend imaging tests in the chest and abdomen to check for signs of mesothelioma. Chest X-rays, CT scans and MRIs are all able to reveal changes in the lungs, such as an increase in pleural thickness or accumulation of fluid. They can also show the extent to which mesothelioma is spreading to other organs of the body.A doctor can also request an analysis of the blood to determine whether a patient has elevated levels of certain substances that are linked to mesothelioma. They can also carry out an operation known as the thoracentesis. This involves the removal of a sample from the lungs’ fluid to search for cancerous cells.If a mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, a biopsy is performed to examine a small portion of the tumor for cancerous cell. This can be done via VATS (video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) or by using an instrument that guides the needle through the aid of a CT scan. The results will aid in determining the best mesothelioma treatment option for the patient. This can include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Some patients might also opt to participate in immunotherapy. This newer form of mesothelioma treatment could improve the quality of life for patients and improve their outlook.TreatmentMesothelioma is a cancer that is a threat to the tissues that line and protect organs like the lungs, stomach (peritoneal) or heart or testicles. It is impossible to treat mesothelioma completely, however treatment may help control symptoms.Your doctor will ask about your medical history and look for symptoms of mesothelioma. Your doctor will inquire about asbestos exposure because it is the main risk factor for mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure can cause asbestos fibres to become stuck in the linings of the chest cavity (mesothelium) stomach, chest cavity or the heart. This can cause inflammation over time and can change normal cells into cancerous cells. Mesothelioma can be identified using blood tests and imaging tests.Your doctor will make use of an X-ray of your chest to detect changes in your lung tissue and determine whether you have the build-up of fluid (pleural effusion). Your provider will order MRI, CT scan or FDG-positron emission tomography (PET) to obtain precise images of the affected area. They may also perform an incision using a needle to collect a sample from the affected tissue.A mesothelioma specialist, also known as a pathologist will look at mesothelioma cells under a microscope to identify cancerous cells and determine the kind of mesothelioma you suffer from. The pathologist will employ dyes to stain tissue samples in order to identify the cancer. The dye will be visible when certain types of cancer are present. The doctor will then employ an instrument to magnify the tissue.It can be difficult to determine if you have mesothelioma as the mesothelioma-causing cells are similar to other types of cells in the body. Your medical team will attempt to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma with other tests. This includes a blood test to determine levels of fibulin-3 as well as mesothelin-related peptide that is soluble.Your care team will decide on a mesothelioma treatment plan depending on the type of cancer you have and how advanced it is. The most common mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation therapy. If your mesothelioma has reached an an advanced stage you could also receive palliative treatment to relieve pain and other symptoms.PrognosisThe prognosis of mesothelioma is dependent on the stage and type of cancer as well as other factors like age and general health. Patients should consult with doctors who are skilled to find out about the treatment options available to them.Asbestos fibers may damage the tissues that line vital organs and protect them from harm. el paso asbestos attorneys can be breathed in or ingested, and over time they cause inflammation and genetic changes that turn normal cells into mesothelioma-related tumors. The most frequent mesothelioma types are the pleural (which forms on the linings of the lungs or chest cavity) and abdomen) mesothelioma.Doctors diagnose mesothelioma on the basis of symptoms, lab tests and X-rays. They may also suggest a biopsied to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of taking small amounts of tissue to test. Doctors can then compare biopsy samples to a database to identify the most likely mesothelioma-related cell type. This information will help them predict a patient’s mesothelioma life expectancy and treatment plan.Mesothelioma cells can be classified into three categories: epithelioid or epithelial, biphasic and sarcomatoid. Each mesothelioma forms at a different rate and responds differently to treatment. Epithelioid mesothelioma accounts for 60% to 80% of cases and has a higher survival rate than sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma.It can take as long as 50 years for mesothelioma be diagnosed following exposure to asbestos. Therefore, many patients don’t be diagnosed with mesothelioma until they begin to experience serious symptoms. Asbestos exposure should be disclosed to a physician and patients should undergo periodic checks.During these visits doctors can look for signs of exposure to asbestos like scarring around the lungs, or other respiratory issues. They can also perform simple blood tests to determine the patient’s health. If the results indicate that an individual is at a high risk for mesothelioma, they can schedule additional tests to determine if they are likely to develop a prognosis. This could include imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans and ultrasound, as well as a lung function test and an chest MRI or PET scan.